A pay increase, backdated to April 2021, has been agreed for all police staff in Scotland following negotiations with the Trade Unions. The agreement aims to achieve an appropriate balance by recognising the contribution, hard work and dedication of police staff while also being affordable in the context of the policing budget.

The details of the agreed package comprises of two elements:

i) Public Sector Pay Policy (PSPP): 

• £800 pay increase for those earning less than £25k
• An increase of 2% to salary points for those earning between £25k and £40k
• An increase of 1% to salary points for those earning between £40k and £80k
• A cap of £800 added to salary points for those earning over £80k
• A 2% increase to second point of Grade 7 (SCP 29) to ensure a meaningful increment between points 1 and 2

ii) This is supported by the continued policy commitment to No Compulsory Redundancy and continues our accreditation as a Living Wage employer.

In addition to the PSPP, a non-consolidated payment of £250 will be paid to all staff in recognition of the significant challenges that the workforce has faced in 2020 and 2021.  The ballot also confirmed the agreement to a Work Force Agreement which is applicable to all shift workers.

The salary increases will back-dated to 1 April 2021 and will be paid to staff in their December salaries, which will be paid on 23 December.

Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to work constructively with the trade unions to reach an affordable agreement which recognises the hard work and dedication of our police staff. Our staff make an invaluable contribution to the delivery of our police service across Scotland and we are very grateful to them for that."

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said:

“I know the high level of commitment to public service demonstrated by our officers and staff throughout the pandemic, during major operations such as the policing of COP26, and at all times. It is crucial our people are properly recognised and rewarded.

"Officers and staff should be treated fairly and pay agreements must be affordable. I'm grateful to the unions and everyone who worked together to achieve an award which reflects those principles."

The deal was considered and accepted following a ballot of Trade Union members.

Article initially published 19 November 2021